2026 WCQ Group B: South Sudan stun rivals Sudan; DR Congo and Senegal take advantage

There is a new leader in Group B of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying from the African region after South Sudan stunned rivals Sudan with a late equalizer on Tuesday. The Bright Stars played the role of spoiler, allowing Senegal and DR Congo to overtake Sudan as the race intensifies for World Cup qualification.

Mauritania 0-2 DR Congo

The Leopards of DR Congo are the new leaders in the group after a professional 2-0 victory away from home at Mauritania. Midfielder Charles Pickel got the visitors off to a dream start when his effort from distance took a kind deflection beyond the reach of Mauritania goalkeeper Mamadou Diop.

Mauritania had their chances to claim points but the Leopards defense remained resilient and the visitors were rewarded late on when substitute Fiston Mayele added one more goal in the 83rd minute.

Sudan 1-1 South Sudan

The surprise result of the day was when a motivated South Sudan team, surely eliminated from contention to qualify, showed determination to claw a point off their rivals Sudan in Benghazi, Libya. Mohamed Eisa put Sudan ahead in the 76th minute and it looked like the group leaders would hold on for a narrow victory.

However, Sudan substitute goalkeeper Ali Abu Eshrein failed to claim a lofted ball into the penalty area and Paul Puk Kun Pal nodded over to David Omot Sebit for an equalizer with the last touch of the match.

Senegal 2-0 Togo

The Lions of Teranga were well in control against Togo. Pape Matar Sarr produced a cool finish after receiving an assist from Habib Diallo to put the hosts up after 35 minutes.

Moussa Niakhaté completed the victory for Senegal who remain dangerous and close on the heels of DR Congo, setting up an intriguing chase in the final four matches between the two teams and Sudan.

Group B Table (6 matches played)

• The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

• Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.